The Hague gives laptops to families with minimum income

In order to allow every child to study during the lockdown

March 30, 2020 11:30

Aseniya Dimitrova

Source:
Image by Karolina Grabowska / Pixabay

The Hague, together with Rabobank, will be distributing 330 laptops to families with low income. The measure aims to allow every kid living in the city to access online classes during the coronavirus-caused lockdown.

Education – a universal human right

With schools shutting down for an undetermined period over Covid-19, the access to classes is restricted to an online form. This, unfortunately, is still not accessible to everyone as some families do not have a computer or a laptop at home. The Dutch city of The Hague wants to remedy this situation and guarantee equal rights when it comes to education.

In view of the current crisis and the government-imposed social isolation, school establishments were supposed to provide students with education devices from their own inventories. As this is not always possible, the Hague asks everyone who does not have one, to contact the Leergeld Den Haag.

The local authority provides 230 laptops, while Robobank gives another 100, adding up to a total of 330. What is more, the devices will be delivered safely to their new owners, so that family members do not have to go out and risk their health.

As Hilbert Bredemeijer, Alderman for Education, Sports and Outdoor activities explained, schools were forced to close overnight, hence many students remained home suddenly. The lessons continued digitally, thanks to the efforts of parents and teachers making laptops a basic necessity.

Local efforts complementing national actions

The local measure comes in addition to the announcement made by Minister Arie Slob (responsible for Primary and Secondary Education) that he would make available 2.5 million euros for free laptops for children from poor families in the Netherlands.

The computers and laptops at Leergeld Den Haag are for families with an Ooievaarspas. Those who are known to the Food Bank or who can demonstrate that they have a minimum income can also make use of the scheme. Schools that are unable to provide laptops during the Covid-19 lockdown may also call to Leergeld Den Haag.

About 500 computers and laptops have already been delivered to families in The Hague.

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